If you take off teh HSF from any 6800gt

[Inimicus]

Is the OC dependent on how good the HSF is, the brand , or a combination of both? The reason I ask is that I was going to take off the HSF from my 6800gt when i get it and put a NV silencer on it.

 

[Ironmanstl]

for the most part the nv5 will be better than your stock gt heatsink/fan and it really is quiet,
lowered my temps to 50 idle and 67 full load,
detect optimal settings went up 8-10 core and 10-20 memory
do a search for nv5, there is alot of info here

lap it and use a decent thermal compound like as5 put on properly

you'll be happy
follow the directions when tightening the screws and you'll be happier

 

[Inimicus]

heh thanks, so i guess it doesn't really matter what brand i get as long as im not paying for an expensive looking HSF already attached to it? something like eVGA?

 

[Ironmanstl]

ensure you look at the clock speeds of the gt you are considering...
no all cards run at the same frequencies..
I can't speak for all cards, but I know the bfg 6800gt comes stock at 370/1000 which a decent speed for a gt,
most will run at 400/1100 on stock voltage no problem

 

[MDE]

I'd get whatever's cheaper, especially since you're voiding the warranty right away by putting the Silencer on there. Most of these cards are made by Nvidia themselves and sold to the individual companies.